Asks for

The ad says“Benchmarking and cost database development”
The ad says“Tendering and bid evaluation”
The ad says“Business development and stakeholder management.”
The ad says“Client advisory services”
The ad says“Strong client-facing advisory and communication skills.”
The ad says“Strong client-facing advisory and communication skills.”
The ad says“Benchmarking and cost database development”
The ad says“Benchmarking and cost databases”
The ad says“Cost forecasting and reporting”
The ad says“At least 10 years of experience in pre-contract cost management.”
The ad says“Ability to establish and implement cost management standards and governance.”
The ad says“Cost planning and estimating”
The ad says“Cost planning methodologies”
The ad says“Cost risk management”
The ad says“Department leadership, team development, and resource management.”
The ad says“Cost planning and estimating”
The ad says“Executive-level reporting and presentation capabilities.”
The ad says“Cost forecasting and reporting”
The ad says“Ability to establish and implement cost management standards and governance.”
The ad says“Infrastructure and building estimating techniques”
The ad says“Experience working on major infrastructure, buildings, mixed-use, or giga-projects.”
The ad says“Proven experience leading cost management or estimating teams.”
The ad says“Life-cycle costing”
The ad says“At least 10 years of experience in pre-contract cost management.”
The ad says“Executive-level reporting and presentation capabilities.”
The ad says“Procurement and tendering strategies”
The ad says“Procurement strategy”
The ad says“Department leadership, team development, and resource management.”
The ad says“RICS New Rules of Measurement”
The ad says“Risk and opportunity management”
The ad says“Business development and stakeholder management.”
The ad says“Strategic thinking with a strong focus on commercial outcomes.”
The ad says“Department leadership, team development, and resource management.”
The ad says“Tendering and bid evaluation”
The ad says“Value engineering and value management”
The ad says“Value engineering and value management”

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking an exceptionally talented Estimation Section Manager to join our team and lead cost management excellence across major, high-profile projects.

In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee pre-contract cost management, drive cost certainty, and provide expert commercial advice to clients and senior stakeholders. You will play a key role in shaping project affordability, managing risk, optimizing value, and ensuring successful procurement outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

Cost Leadership and Governance

Lead all pre-contract cost management activities across assigned projects.
Establish and implement cost management procedures, estimating standards, and benchmarking methodologies.
Ensure compliance with RICS professional standards and the New Rules of Measurement (NRM).
Review and approve major estimates and cost plans prior to client issuance.
Develop and maintain cost management governance frameworks and best practices.

Strategic Cost Planning

Lead and oversee the preparation of:

Order of Cost Estimates
Concept Estimates
Elemental Cost Plans
Detailed Cost Plans
Pre-Tender Estimates

You will ensure that design development remains aligned with approved budgets, advise clients on affordability and project viability, and provide strategic guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Risk and Value Management

Lead cost risk and opportunity workshops.
Establish appropriate contingency allowances and risk budgets.
Identify and quantify design, construction, procurement, and market-related risks.
Lead value engineering and value management initiatives.
Maximize value for money while maintaining project objectives, quality, and performance requirements.

Benchmarking and Market Intelligence

Maintain accurate cost databases and historical benchmarks.
Monitor market trends, inflation, labor rates, material costs, and supply-chain conditions.
Validate estimates against comparable projects and industry benchmarks.
Provide strategic advice on market conditions, cost trends, and potential cost impacts.
Continuously improve estimating accuracy through lessons learned and data analysis.

Tender Documentation and Procurement

Oversee the preparation and review of:

Bills of Quantities
Pricing Schedules
Tender Documents
Pre-Tender Estimates
Commercial evaluation documentation

You will also lead tender analysis, bid evaluation, and commercial assessments while supporting the client’s procurement team throughout the tendering process.

Client Advisory and Stakeholder Management

Act as the senior cost adviser to project directors, clients, and executive stakeholders.
Present budget positions, cost forecasts, risks, and opportunities clearly and confidently.
Support investment decisions by providing reliable cost intelligence and cost certainty.
Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and project stakeholders.
Contribute to business development, strategic pursuits, and client engagement initiatives.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines:

Quantity Surveying
Construction Economics
Construction Management
Civil Engineering
Cost Engineering
A related field

Experience

Minimum 20 years of total professional experience.
At least 10 years of experience in pre-contract cost management.
Proven experience leading cost management or estimating teams.
Experience working on major infrastructure, buildings, mixed-use, or giga-projects.
Demonstrated expertise in:
- Cost planning and estimating
- Benchmarking and cost database development
- Value engineering and value management
- Procurement strategy
- Tendering and bid evaluation
- Risk and opportunity management
- Client advisory services
- Cost forecasting and reporting

Professional Qualifications

MRICS membership is highly desirable and is typically considered the minimum professional qualification for a department head or senior cost management leadership role.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge and practical experience in:

RICS New Rules of Measurement
Cost planning methodologies
Benchmarking and cost databases
Procurement and tendering strategies
Cost risk management
Value management and value engineering
Life-cycle costing
Infrastructure and building estimating techniques
Cost forecasting and financial reporting

Leadership Competencies

Department leadership, team development, and resource management.
Strong client-facing advisory and communication skills.
Executive-level reporting and presentation capabilities.
Business development and stakeholder management.
Ability to establish and implement cost management standards and governance.
Strategic thinking with a strong focus on commercial outcomes.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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